A well developed and focused app may support a four year olds vocabulary to increase by 50%: from 3000 to 4500 words, for example- but this apparent success in improving a child’s communication skills underestimates the importance of foundational social connections that form the basis for any subsequent learning.

Humans learn through shared attention and connection (1). The ‘serve and return’ interactions between parent and child that form the brain architecture will be foundational for all future learning- as well as leading to good mental health and wellbeing.

What does this mean for where our focus, time and money should be invested? We need to take two angles 1) Early intervention parenting programmes (both pre and post-natal) and 2) supporting early years’ settings to work in true partnership with the parents in their communities.

Cognitive relational programmes such as the Family Links Nurturing Programme provide the models for healthy relationships, the social and emotional skills and competencies, a safe and nurturing environment for parents and Early Years staff alongside the opportunity to acquire supportive behavioural strategies. A well-trained parenting practitioner can communicate to parents in an empowering way, emphasising how important they are in the development of their baby’s mind, language and communication skills.

So by all means, let’s consider how we can learn, virtually, through technology and the use of apps- allowing more parents to be reached over a longer period of time. But we must make sure that we don’t do this instead of investing in parents themselves- and the crucial relationships that they build with their children that are the foundation for future learning and happiness. We must prioritise these first in order to promote truly flourishing Home Learning Environments.